There’s something special about a physical ticket. Holding one in your hand as you wait excitedly to see your favorite band…attending a show with it tucked safely in your pocket, putting the stub into a scrapbook, finding it years later and feeling that flood of oh-what-a-show nostalgia.

Physical tickets have a powerful effect, which is why we feature them as an option. If you’re an event organizer, physical tickets may sound like a throwback, but these classics can provide unique and surprising benefits for your events and your sales.

Here are five reasons to use physical tickets:

1. Speed and Security

Short on staff and need to get lots of people in the door quickly? Physical tickets, combined with barcode scanning via our mobile scanner app, will move your attendees to their seats fast. And from a security standpoint, our printed tickets are outfitted like currency with micro-printing, foil, and watermark.

So you can tell at a glance that you’re dealing with a genuine ticket.

2. Increased durability (badges and tickets)

Our hard-plastic badges are even more durable than our tickets. They can withstand a multi-day conference, a punishing roller derby bout, maybe even the jaws of a labradoodle. Use them for a season pass, and your buyers won’t have to place multiple orders for numerous events. We can add lanyards, and even print attendees’ details like names, organizations, and more.

3. You can include Merch

Want to send a small item of merchandise along with your tickets like a CD or a T-shirt? Our Ad Insert Program can allow you to send merch directly to your guests with tickets. Also, you can send a flyer advertising your next show to your current attendees. Brilliant.

4. Souvenir factor

Give your buyers a built-in souvenir that will remind them of the amazing time they had at your event. They’re the perfect complement for post-show autographs.

Ben Haley, an event organizer, exclusively uses physical tickets for Salon of Shame – a Seattle-based gathering where people read from their embarrassing adolescent writing in front of a large audience.

5. They’re free

We’ve saved the best for last: when sent to your ticket buyers, physical tickets cost no more than print-at-home or will-call tickets. Neither you nor your guest will pay extra for this service. And if you need extra bulk tickets for your box office, they are only 10 cents per ticket, plus shipping.

So the next time you’re starting an event, consider all the ways that physical tickets can improve your sales, enhance your ticket buyers’ experience, and open up new opportunities. And those benefits are indeed timeless…